In a rare instance of public critique among developers, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 Game Director Daniel Vávra expressed his disappointment with Obsidian’s The Outer Worlds 2. Despite the anticipation surrounding the game, Vávra rated it 7 out of 10, raising concerns about a lack of innovation in Obsidian’s approach, even with Microsoft’s backing. He fondly recalls Fallout: New Vegas as a favorite but is disheartened by the absence of fresh game mechanics in recent years.
Strong Words from Vávra
Vávra’s critique is both detailed and pointed. He stated, “Finished. 7/10. But what I find sad is that the company and the people who gave us one of my favorite games ever (Fallout: New Vegas) have been unable, even after 15 years and with all of Microsoft’s money and latest technological advances, to come up with a single new game mechanic that could take this proven but ancient formula somewhere new.” His call for a living, simulated world with true non-linearity highlights a yearning for depth beyond traditional game design. He questions why The Outer Worlds 2 could not deliver a new mechanic, despite the progress and support available.
Comparison with Kingdom Come Deliverance 2
A follower challenged Vávra, noting that even Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 doesn’t revolutionize game mechanics. Vávra countered by citing the game’s simulation of thousands of NPCs and their routines. While The Outer Worlds 2 penalizes theft, its NPCs lack true behavioral depth, unlike the more dynamic world of KCD2. Nonetheless, such simulation isn’t a groundbreaking feature, as Bethesda’s games have offered similar experiences since The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion in 2006.
The Challenge of Innovation in Modern Gaming
Despite Vávra’s criticisms, The Outer Worlds 2 has garnered praise for enhancing player choice, which adds subtle layers to its roleplaying capabilities. While it may not introduce entirely new mechanics, it refines existing ones, offering a richer experience. The debate extends beyond these titles, questioning whether recent successes like Baldur’s Gate 3 are due to innovation or exceptional execution. The challenge of creating novel mechanics is significant, with some games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 managing to stand out by blending turn-based and real-time combat.
In the face of criticism, Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 continues to thrive, preparing to release its final DLC, Mysteria Ecclesiae, next Tuesday. The game will also be available for free on PC and Xbox over the weekend, offering a chance for new players to explore its detailed world.